Parisian glamour for the capital as Hermes announces new megastore in London

Parisian glamour for the capital as Hermes announces new megastore in London (GETTY IMAGES)

Luxury giant Hermes, known for its Birkin handbags and silk scarves, has announced plans to more than double the size of its flagship store to create a new mega boutique in the capital.

It will turn office space and an outside terrace at its London headquarters — the Grade II*-listed Time & Life Building on the corner of New Bond Street and Bruton Street — into a shopping area.

Bertrand Michaud, Hermès UK managing director, said: “Hermès and its customers deserve a beautiful and out-of-the-ordinary store for a city as influential as London. ”

The renovated store will open by October next year and the offices will be relocated elsewhere. The group has also been looking for another central London store, possibly on Conduit Street,  to accommodate its wares while the work takes place at the flagship.

Hermès’ New Bond Street store has hosted a range of pop up concepts and unveiled its “upcycled” petit h brand, pictured, there this week.

Italian fashion giant Prada is buying the adjoining part of its Bond Street store, according to Estates Gazette, to expand and avoid future rental hikes. The £55 million-plus deal for No 16 will mean Prada has more than 30,000 sq ft after buying 17-18 Bond Street for £90 million in February.